CORPORATE COUNSELLOR
New approach to commercial building rules
- Published: 22 Feb 2013 at 00.00
- Newspaper section: Business
Location, location, location _ the old adage about the three things that matter in real estate continues to be true today, especially for retailers. Commercial real estate developers and retailers face a fiercely competitive market and shifting consumer patterns as Bangkok continues to expand geographically. To reach the city's expanding consumer base, it is essential for retailers to understand local zoning requirements, especially with a new city plan set to come into effect in May.
BMA ordinance: The key regulation dealing with zoning issues is officially known as the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) Ordinance re: Determination of Areas Restricted from Construction, Modification or Change of Usage of Certain Constructions in Bangkok Metropolis 2005. It states that a commercial building for retail and wholesale (CBRW) is a building used for commerce with a total area of 300 square metres or more, whether under one or more roofs.
Under this ordinance, there are specific zoning limitations that differ across the city. CBRWs are not allowed in some areas in Bang Bon and Klong Sam Wa districts, while they are allowed in Prawet, Bang Kapi, Saphan Sung and Suan Luang if they have a total area not greater than 2,000 sq m.
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